INDOOR AIR QUALITY ASSESSMENTAccelerate Environmental, Inc. (Accelerate) an established environmental firm offers indoor air quality assessment services. "Sick Building Syndrome" associated with indoor air quality (IAQ) is one of the hottest and most sensitive topics in office environments today. EPA lists IAQ in its top ten environmental concerns. The level of expertise, equipment, resources, capacity, and especially the sensitivity of the approach we take to these assignments are of paramount importance. We have designed an assessment protocol to determine the extent to which there are indoor air quality problems in buildings, to determine their source(s) and cause(s), contaminant pathways, and to recommend appropriate remedial measures as warranted. Accelerate utilizes the most efficient and sensitive state-of-the-art instrumentation available in the conduct of indoor air quality assessments to assure accuracy of results and rapid turnaround times. On-site sampling will provide quantitative data useful in the characterization of the facility. The purpose of on-site investigations is to determine the nature and the source(s) of indoor air contaminants and/or physical characteristics, if any, that are responsible for specific symptoms and complaints. Chemical parameters typically include size selective particle counts, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, 4-phenylcyclohexane, volatile organic compounds, and radon. Physical parameters typically include temperature, relative humidity, illumination, sound pressure levels, air exchange, and ventilation rates. Biological testing includes total colony counts and species identification for bacteria and fungi and non-viable spore counts. Subsequent to the completion of on-site analytical work we compute all relevant parameters and compare them with applicable regulatory and industry standards, guidelines and criteria. Although there are no current regulations on indoor air quality, guidelines have been developed from governmental agencies and private professional organizations including recommendations from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE). The ASHRAE Standard, 62-1989, "Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality", is universally accepted for assessment of indoor air. The report resulting from the IAQ Assessment will describe the nature and sources of indoor air quality problems, if any, that are applicable, and also include recommended measures which can be taken to remove or alleviate these problems. If problems exist, you will then have a definitive set of actionable options. Conversely, if no problems are detected, you will have a documented third party record of this fact for your reference files.
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